Fonio, an ancient grain cultivated in West Africa for over 5,000 years, has recently gained attention for its resilience and low water requirements. Brewgooder, a UK-based ethical brewer known for its support of clean water projects in Africa, has taken a significant step by creating the world’s first Fairtrade-certified supply chain for fonio. This initiative aims to transform the fortunes of farmers in Guinea and beyond through sustainable and ethical practices.
Fairtrade’s principles of shared prosperity and opportunity align perfectly with Brewgooder’s vision of brewing a fairer world. By integrating a Fairtrade supply chain based on these principles, Brewgooder aims to bring a new level of fairness to the brewing industry. The use of fonio grain in beer production presents a unique opportunity to scale while sharing the benefits with smallholder farmers who grow the grain.
The introduction of fonio grain into the brewing industry can have a profound impact on farming communities, particularly in regions like Guinea and West Africa. Fonio’s quick maturation and minimal water requirements make it a sustainable choice for areas facing water scarcity. Elevating the status of fonio can lead to increased investments and partnerships, creating a stable market for farmers. This initiative could directly benefit hundreds of smallholder farmers and their families, with potential for even greater impact in the future.
Historically, fonio farmers in Guinea have encountered various challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited market access, low productivity, and financial constraints. The Fairtrade arrangement implemented by Brewgooder aims to address these challenges by expanding market opportunities, ensuring fair compensation for farmers, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By building capacity and providing support, this initiative can contribute to the long-term health of the agricultural economy in the region.
Brewgooder’s decision to make the supply chain ‘open grain’ allows other brewers to access Fairtrade-certified fonio grain for their own brews. This initiative aims to solve the problem of scalability, transparency, and fairness in the supply chain, encouraging more brewers to adopt fonio grain in their products. The widespread adoption of the supply chain can have a significant impact on farmers in Guinea and beyond, making fonio a key ingredient in brewing worldwide.
While the supply chain is currently focused on the UK, Brewgooder is open to collaborating with breweries from around the world. The goal is to make Fairtrade-certified fonio grain accessible to brewers globally, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation and sustainable practices are upheld. By inviting breweries worldwide to participate, Brewgooder aims to create a global impact and contribute to the growth of the fonio industry in brewing.
The introduction of Fairtrade-certified fonio grain in the brewing industry has the potential to revolutionize sustainable and ethical practices while benefiting farming communities in Guinea and beyond. By creating a transparent and fair supply chain, Brewgooder is paving the way for a more equitable and environmentally friendly brewing industry.
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